Shin splints?

[ionas52]

Hi I have started couch to 5k and was feeling really good in week 1 and 2 however I have just finished week 3 and have been experiencing really painful shins during and after every run. My left knee keeps buckling while walking, not sure if due to the pain or weakness?? It's a cramp like muscle pain. Wondering whether I should power through it and the pain will reduce or if I should take a rest?

[Zandy21]

As far as the shins go, I have just finished week four and I had some awful shin splints in the first couple of weeks. I've started doing calf raises and it has helped so much. I just stand with my toes on a step and hang onto the rail then lower my heels as far as I can. I do ten reps of this and then ten tippy-toes. As for the knee, I've seen bands that go under the knee cap, but I'd seek a doctors opinion about that.

[ionas52 in reply to Zandy21]

Thanks! I will try doing some calf raises, I've started doing some squats and lunges but only for a few days so yet to see any improvement. I'm not keen on wearing anything for the knee as I used to run a lot and never had the problem before so hopefully this will improve with the calf raises too.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Ouch. make sure you are doing your exercises on rest days and stretching after every run too. Try to land lightly... that may help also.

sportsinjuryclinic.net/spor...

[ionas52 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you, I have only been doing exercises on the days I am running so will start doing on rest days too. I have found that I land a lot more heavily now as I have gained a lot of weight so I will keep an eye on that next time I go for a run.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ionas52]

Kissing the ground with your feet..is what I call it 😉